Leadership Transition at Nestlé
On September 1, 2025, the Board of Directors of Nestlé announced the appointment of Philipp Navratil as the new Chief Executive Officer, following the immediate dismissal of Laurent Freixe.
Reasons for Dismissal
The decision comes after an investigation revealed that Freixe had engaged in an undisclosed romantic relationship with a direct subordinate, violating Nestlé’s Code of Business Conduct. The Board, under the oversight of Chairman Paul Bulcke and Lead Independent Director Pablo Isla, mandated a thorough inquiry with the assistance of independent external legal counsel.
Statements from Leadership
Chairman Paul Bulcke remarked, “This was a necessary decision. Nestlé’s values and governance are strong foundations of our company. I thank Laurent for his years of service at Nestlé.”
Bulcke expressed confidence in Navratil’s capabilities, stating, “I am pleased to announce Philipp Navratil as CEO. Philipp is recognized for his impressive track record of achieving results in challenging environments. Renowned for his dynamic presence, he inspires teams and leads with a collaborative, inclusive management style. The Board is confident that he will drive our growth plans forward and accelerate efficiency efforts. We are not changing course on strategy and we will not lose pace on performance.”
Philipp Navratil’s Experience
Navratil’s journey with Nestlé began in 2001 as an internal auditor. He held various commercial positions throughout Central America before becoming the Country Manager for Nestlé Honduras in 2009. In 2013, he transitioned to oversee the coffee and beverage sector in Mexico, significantly enhancing the Nescafé brand’s presence.
In 2020, he took charge of the global strategy for Nestlé’s Coffee Strategic Business Unit, focusing on innovation for the Nescafé and Starbucks brands. He became Nespresso’s chief in July 2024, fostering strong growth and positive momentum within the company. Navratil was named to the Nestlé Executive Board on January 1, 2025.
Navratil’s Vision as CEO
Expressing gratitude for the trust placed in him, Navratil stated, “I am honored by the trust the Board has placed in me, and it is a privilege to take on the responsibility of leading Nestlé into the future. I fully embrace the company’s strategic direction, as well as the action plan in place to drive Nestlé’s performance.”
He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with the leadership team and the Board, stating his intent to accelerate execution and intensify the value creation strategy.
Media and Investor Contacts
- Media: Christoph Meier Tel.: +41 21 924 2200 mediarelations@nestle.com
- Investors: David Hancock Tel.: +41 21 924 3509 ir@nestle.com
